Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

An introduction to legal studies and to the legal system of Australia with special emphasis on commercial aspects. The laws of negligence as it affects business and the professional is introduced, and aspects of the law of contract, consumer law, agency, partnership, trusts and an introduction to companies of relevance to commerce.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. identify the essential features of the Australian legal and political system and compare and contrast the two principal law-making institutions--the courts and the parliaments--and the laws they make
2. describe and analyse some of the legal concepts that underpin commercial activity in Australia and describe the different conceptual bases of legal liability
3. describe and analyse key areas of normative commercial law such as contract law, tort law, agency law and business organisations
4. conduct basic legal research using basic primary and secondary sources
5. critically analyse a hypothetical legal problem and clearly and coherently advise a hypothetical client on the relevant legal issues that are raised in that problem and support the advice by reference to primary sources.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Aashish Srivastava (Semester 1), Mr Roger Gamble (Semester 2)

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prohibitions

BTF1010, BTG1200, BTW1200, LAW2100, LAW2102